The Nakanoshima Museum of Art is located in Osaka and showcases an impressive collection of modern art and design from the 19th century and onwards. Located on Nakanoshima Island in the heart of Osaka, this contemporary art museum opened in 2022 and displays 6000 works of art. The extensive collection is a mixture of domestic, international and local art including the works of Modigliani and Brancusi.
The exterior consists of a solid black cube which is striking and contrasts with the more elaborate architecture of the nearby National Museum. Several pieces by the Osakan artist Yanobe Kenji are displayed including Ship's Cat, a sculpture of a cat in an astronaut suit seen in other parts of Japan, including Shodoshima Island and Tokyo at the Ginza Six shopping mall. The interior of the museum is spacious and minimalist in design. Due to the risk of flooding, the artworks are on the third floor and above only, whereas the 1st and 2nd floors are an open public space. Views of the Nakanoshima area can be seen from the upper floors of the museum. An interesting feature is the Passage, which is a pedestrian friendly arcade running through the museum connected to escalators and staircases on all five floors. The intent of this concept is to allow pedestrians to experience art while passing through the museum by connecting the exterior with the interior space. There is a museum store and a cafe restaurant on the grounds as well which do not require a museum ticket for entry.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. daily but closed on Mondays. The Nakanoshima Museum of Art is located near other interesting sights including the National Museum of Art which also houses contemporary art and Tadao Ando's Nakanoshima Book Forest, making Nakanoshima Island an excellent art and design destination while visiting Osaka.
Getting there
The Nakanoshima Museum of Art is located on Nakanoshima Island in Osaka. A bus can be taken from JR Osaka Station to the Taminobashi bus stop. Alternatively the Keihan Nakanoshima Line to Watanabebashi Station or the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line to Higobashi Station can be taken.
